The state reports there are 2,000 rent relief applications filed before Dec. 31 still being processed, and renters say they are running out of savings.
Randy Billings
Staff Writer
Randy Billings is a government watchdog and political reporter who has been the State House bureau chief since 2021. He was named the Maine Press Association’s Journalist of the Year in 2020. He joined the Press Herald in 2012 as the Portland City Hall reporter, where his beat touched on a wide range of topics, including municipal government, immigration, homelessness, housing and social services. Prior to that, he worked at various weeklies as well as business and arts publications. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine, Orono. He lives in North Yarmouth with his wife and two children and enjoys the outdoors and playing his upright bass.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Portland provides hazard pay at city nursing home during outbreak
City officials say the increased pay at the Barron Center is covered by Medicaid and unrelated to a hazard pay requirement in Portland’s new minimum wage ordinance.
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Posted inLocal & State, News
Advocates regroup after Portland council narrowly rejects Munjoy Hill historic district
While supporters said the buildings reflect the neighborhood’s working-class history, opponents argued that the proposal would hinder development and lead to less diversity.
Posted inLocal & State, Uncategorized
Portland council narrowly rejects creating a Munjoy Hill historic district
While supporters said the buildings reflect the neighborhood’s working-class history, opponents argued that the proposal would hinder development and lead to less diversity.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland councilors may decide today whether Munjoy Hill should be a historic district
If approved, it would be the 12th historic district in the city and would cover 49 percent of the hill.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Proposal for Portland’s tallest building clears a hurdle
A zoning amendment to allow an 18-story apartment building downtown was endorsed by the Planning Board, but still needs City Council approval.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland stands by strict rules for needle exchange despite warnings of higher risk
The city’s health and human services director says the program has maintained access to clean syringes without relaxing its exchange rules, but public health experts say the more restrictive approach can put people at risk during the pandemic.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland council holds private meeting with attorney over needle exchange rules
The vote to meet behind closed doors was unanimous despite objections by the Press Herald that the council had not provided a sufficient reason.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland manager wants to seek developer to build shelter near Westbrook line
City Manager Jon Jennings said in a memo to councilors that absent federal or state funding, he’d like to partner with a private developer and lease the building when it’s done.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland councilors to meet privately with attorney about needle exchange rules
City Hall announced the closed-door session after the Press Herald reported that Portland’s program is the only one in Maine to disregard public health guidelines and keep strict rules for syringe exchanges during the pandemic.